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A negative relationship between parasite intensity and male ornament condition or sexual display rate is one of the conditions of the parasite-mediated sexual selection model. In anurans, temporal properties of calling behavior, and particularly calling rates, are the best candidates to express a negative relationship with parasite intensity, given the high energy costs of calling and the fact that calls are potentially under strong intersexual selection. We studied the relationship between call parameters and helminth parasite intensity in males of a Brazilian subtropical treefrog, Hypsiboas prasinus. We tested the hypotheses that: 1) calling characteristics are correlated negatively to parasite intensity; and 2) the relationship between calling performance and parasite intensity is more pronounced when dynamic properties are considered. According to our predictions, only rate, the most important dynamic property of calling behavior, is associated with individual variation in parasite intensity. Males that call at higher rates show lower total parasite intensity. The negative relationship between parasite intensity and calling rate in H. prasinus could be because of the higher energy cycles associated with the maintenance of high calling performance. Also, theoretically, calling rate could work as an honest signal of anuran male quality, although the causal relationship between calling variation and parasite intensity, as well as the relevance of this relationship for female choice and male reproductive success, remain to be investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three specimens of Caudisoma durissa terrifica infected with Hepatozoon spp. were studied. One was parasitized by one type of gamont and the other two were each infected by two morphologically different gamonts. Utilizing morphology and morphometry analysis, we concluded that three types of gamonts were very similar and may represent the same Hepatozoon species, but at least three different Hepatozoon species were infecting the C. durissa terrifica snakes in this study. Some of this species caused erythrocyte modifications. The sporogonic development of Hepatozoon sp. was observed from 12 h to the 20th day after female Culex quinquefasciatus blood meals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Snake venoms have been used as antineoplastic substances in several experimental models. We demonstrated in previous studies that Bothrops jararaca venom (BjV) induces inhibition of Ehrlich ascites tumor (EAT) growth accompanied by an increase of mononuclear (MN) leukocytes in all groups inoculated with EAT and/or venom. The objective of the present study was to characterize the subpopulations of MN leukocytes involved in the inhibition of EAT growth by treatment with BjV. Swiss mice were inoculated with 1.0×10 3 EAT cells by the intraperitoneal route and treated with 0.4 mg/kg of BjV by the same route (Group TV). Treatment was started 24 h after tumor cell inoculation and consisted of five intraperitoneal injections performed at 72 h intervals. After 2, 8 and 14 days, groups of animals were sacrificed and the number of B, TCD4 and TCD8 lymphocytes, macrophages and natural killer cells present in the peritoneal cavity was determined by flow cytometry. The control group consisted of animals inoculated with EAT and treated with 0.1 ml of saline under the same conditions as the experimental group (Group T). Two additional control groups consisted of animals not inoculated with EAT and treated with saline or venom. Data were analyzed statistically by the Kruskal-Wallis non-parametric test for independent samples. On the 2nd and 8th day we observed a difference between groups T and TV (group T>group TV) for all cell types, except natural killer cells, that only differed on the 2nd day. However, on the 14th day there was no difference in MN cells among groups. These data suggest that the inhibition of EAT is related to the toxic action of BjV on tumor cells and/or to the proteolytic effect of the venom on the mediators produced by the cells for growth modulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: Hemoparasites of the genus Haemogregarina (Haemogregarinidae) are commonly reported in freshwater turtles. However, in Brazil, only three species have currently been characterised using molecular methods. This study aimed to bring new insights on the diversity of species of Haemogregarina infecting Brazilian freshwater turtles from Mato Grosso and Goiás states using molecular and morphological tools. (2) Methods: In total, 2 mL of blood was collected, with between two to five blood smears prepared, fixed with absolute methanol, and stained with a 10% Giemsa solution. Blood was stored at −20 °C for molecular analysis targeting the 18S rRNA gene. Fragments of the organs (liver, spleen, heart, and kidney) were separated and stained with hematoxylin-eosin. (3) Results: A total of 40 turtles were screened and hemogregarines were observed in 34 (85%) individuals (3 Podocnemis expansa and 31 Podocnemis unifilis). Haemogregarina embaubali and six new species of Haemogregarina were observed and formally described as follows: H. unifila n. sp., H. rubra n. sp., H. goianensis n. sp., H. araguaiensis n. sp., H. tigrina n. sp., and H. brasiliana n. sp. (4) Conclusions: This study contributes to the diversity and knowledge of Brazilian fresh-water turtle blood parasites, using integrative approaches for diagnosing and characterizing hemoparasites, with the identification of six undescribed species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present descriptions of two newly discovered species of Myxobolus (Myxobolidae) that infect Mugil curema: Myxobolus mundauensis n. sp. found in gills and Myxobolus patriciae n. sp. found in intestines. These descriptions are based on the morphology of myxospores, histological analysis, and sequencing of the small subunit ribosomal DNA (ssrDNA). The myxospores of both species differ in the width and length of their spore bodies, and their ssrDNA sequences showed a 10.6% difference. These findings support the identification of these parasites as distinct and previously unknown species. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a subclade consisting of species that parasitize Mugiliformes, with Myxobolus mundauensis n. sp. being closely related to Myxobolus maceioensis, and Myxobolus patriciae n. sp. being closely related to Myxobolus curemae. Our analysis aligns with previous research suggesting a strong correlation between host orders and phylogenetic patterns within the Myxobolidae family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rhamdia quelen is a commercially important fish in South America. During the survey of myxozoan infections in fishes from Pardo River, Paranapanema River basin, São Paulo State, Brazil, we describe three new species of Henneguya found parasitizing gills of R. quelen: Henneguya bagre n. sp., Henneguya breviscauda n. sp and Henneguya novaerae n. sp. The descriptions were based on myxospores morphology and small subunit ribosomal DNA partial sequences. Phylogenetic analysis showed a clade formed by species that parasitize Siluriformes, with Henneguya jundiai as a sister species of Henneguya bagre n. sp., Henneguya breviscauda n. sp and Henneguya novaerae n. sp. Our study indicates that the parasites infecting R. quelen belong to a lineage of myxozoans infecting Heptapteridae fishes. Using molecular and morphological characterization, the species were identified as new species for the genus Henneguya. Based on our analysis we recommend monitoring the presence of these parasites in farmed fishes, to analyze possible pathologies caused by them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Species of Haemogregarina are blood parasites known to parasitise vertebrate hosts, including fishes (Haemogregarina sensu lato) and freshwater turtles (Haemogregarina sensu stricto). Their vectors, include gnathiid isopods and leeches, respectively. In turtles, Haemogregarina balli has the best-characterized life cycle in the genus. However, no studies in Brazil have suggested a possible vector for any species of Haemogregarina from freshwater turtles. Therefore, in the present study, we provide insights into a leech vector based on specimens found feeding on two species of freshwater turtles, Podocnemis unifilis and Podocnemis expansa, using morphological and molecular data. In 2017 and 2019, freshwater turtles were collected in Goiás State, Brazil. Hosts were inspected for ectoparasites and leeches were collected from two specimens of P. expansa and nine specimens of P. unifilis. Leeches were subsequently identified as members of the genus Unoculubranchiobdella. Leech histological slides revealed haemogregarine-like structures, similar to post-sporogonic merogony, found near the gills and within the posterior sucker. Molecular analysis of the haemeogregarines resulted in the identification of three species of Haemogregarina: Haemogregarina embaubali, Haemogregarina goianensis, and Haemogregarina brasiliana. Therefore, our findings, based on morphology and DNA data suggest leeches of the genus Unoculubranchiondella as vectors for at least three species of Haemogregarina from Brazilian turtles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wallinia caririensis n. sp. is described from the intestine of Astyanax bimaculatus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Characidae) collected in the Batateiras River in the municipality of Crato, Ceará state, Brazil. The description was based on integrative taxonomy approach using DNA sequences from the D1-D3 domains of the 28S rDNA gene. The new species was confirmed through the phylogenetic analysis of the 28S rDNA gene, which showed that Wallinia caririensis n. sp. is a sister taxon of Wallinia brasiliensis (Dias, Müller, Almeida, Silva, Azevedo, Pérez-Ponce de León, and Abdallah, 2018, and Wallinia anindoi Hernández-Mena, Pinacho-Pinacho, García-Varela, Mendonza-Garfias, and Pérez-Ponce de León, 2019), a species which parasitizes Astyanax fasciatus (Cuvier, 1819), A. lacustris (Lucena and Soares, 2016) in Brazil, and A. aeneus (Günther, 1860) in Mexico, with genetic divergences of 2% and 3%, respectively. The new species can be distinguished morphologically from its congeners by possessing large body size (length and width) and tapered extremity in the posterior end of the body, eyespots are present at the pharynx level, and vitelline follicles reach up to the half distance between the posterior testis and the extremity of the body, by having larger testes distributed in coincident zones (i.e., contiguous) and non-operculated eggs (a conspicuous characteristic in W. brasiliensis). To date, species of this genus have already been described in freshwater fishes from Mexico, Costa Rica, Venezuela, and Southeastern Brazil. The species described in this study consists of the second species parasitizing characids in Brazil, and the first record in Northeastern Brazil. This finding fills a gap and expands the biogeographic distribution of the genus Wallinia in South America. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On the basis of morphological and molecular analyses, a new myxozoan parasite is described from the gills of the fish Hoplerythrinus unitaeniatus, collected in the municipality of Nova Xavantina, Mato Grosso State, Brazil. Plasmodia of Henneguya unitaeniata sp. nov. were oval and whitish and were found surrounded by collagen fibers forming plasmodia wall between gill filaments on the gill arch. The spores were ellipsoidal with two similar polar capsules. Morphometric analysis showed a total spore mean length of 23.8 ± 1.5 μm, spore body mean length of 14.5 ± 0.7 μm, caudal appendage mean length of 10.3 ± 1.4 μm, thickness mean length of 4.3 ± 0.3 μm, polar capsule mean length of 4.2 ± 0.5 μm, polar capsule mean width of 1.8 ± 0.3 μm, spore mean width of 4.8 ± 0.4 μm, and 4–5 polar filament coils. Phylogenetic analysis showed Henneguya unitaeniata sp. nov. as a basal species in a subclade formed by myxozoans that parasitize bryconid fishes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to comprehensively update and expand the knowledge on the diversity and richness of helminth parasites found in Peruvian amphibians. A systematic search was conducted across primary databases, encompassing both indexed and non-indexed articles, to compile the most recent data. As of the present study, a total of 83 distinct helminth taxa have been documented in association with 78 anuran species of the order Anura, marking a 176.7% increase from previously recorded figures. Nematodes exhibited the highest species richness, totalling 52 taxa (62.65%), followed by trematodes (21 taxa, 25.3%), acanthocephalans and cestodes (4 taxa each, 4.8%), and monogeneans (2 taxa, 2.4%). The overwhelming majority (85.5%) of the collected parasites (71 taxa) were identified as mature helminths, with the remaining 14.5% (12 taxa) in their larval stages. Notably, Cosmocerca brasiliense Travassos, 1925 (Cosmocercidae), and Physaloptera sp. (Physalopteridae) were the most prevalent nematodes, having infected the broadest range of host species. Rhinella marina Linnaeus, 1758 (Bufonidae), emerged as the anuran host with the highest diversity, harboring 17 distinct helminth species. These findings underscore the crucial role of helminth parasites in shaping amphibian ecosystems and their significance as bioindicators of environmental health. Protecting both amphibian hosts and their associated helminth parasites is paramount, as it is intrinsically linked to the preservation of ecological equilibrium within these ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study describes three new species of monogeneans parasitizing the gills of anostomid fishes from the Upper Paraná River basin, southeastern Brazil: Jainus beccus n. sp. and Jainus radixelongatus n. sp. on Leporinus friderici, Leporinus octofasciatus, Leporinus striatus, and Megaleporinus elongatus; and Jainus ornatus n. sp. on L. friderici. The new species differ from other congeners by the morphology of the accessory piece. There is a semicircular distal portion resembling a "bird's beak" in Jainus beccus n. sp. It composed of two subunits—one ventral and more sclerotized, sickle-shaped, and another dorsal with three projections—in Jainus radixelongatus n. sp. There are two elongated and sclerotized subunits, both of which have a sickle-shaped distal portion, in Jainus ornatus n. sp. Supplementary observations not reported in the original descriptions of the type-species Jainus piava Karling, Bellay, Takemoto & Pavanelli, 2011 are proposed, as follows: the presence of a thin and delicate ventral bar, which can vary greatly in shape; an accessory piece not articulated with the MCO's base. This paper provides the first phylogenetic study based on LSU rDNA and COI mtDNA gene sequences for Jainus, improving and clarifying the understanding of host–parasite relationships in neotropical characiforms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Historically, amphibian parasites have been poorly represented in ecological studies, hence, we know little about their diversity, distribution, and role in biological communities. The helminth fauna of four amphibian species (Dermatonotus muelleri, Leptodactylus vastus, Rhinella diptycha, and Trachycephalus typhonius) from three locations in the state of Piauí, northeastern Brazil was studied. In total, we found 2,024 parasite specimens of 13 helminth taxa (Aplectana crucifer, Aplectana vellardi, Cosmocerca podicipinus, Cosmocercidae gen. sp., nematode cysts, nematode larvae, Ochoterenella digiticauda, Ochoterenella sp., Oswaldocruzia lopesi, Oswaldocruzia sp., Oxyascaris oxyascaris, Raillietnema spectans, and Rauschiella linguatula), and ten new occurrences of parasitic helminths were recorded. The most abundant parasite species were R. spectans (n ​​= 1,018) and A. vellardi (n = 574). All hosts presented high infection levels. The prevalence of infection of hosts ranged from 64.7 to 100%, the mean intensity of infection ranged from 6.1 to 69.3, and the mean abundance ranged from 5.5 to 69.3. The number of parasites per host ranged from 122 to 1,468. Dermatonotus muelleri was the host with the highest prevalence of infection (n = 93.9%) and L. vastus presented the highest richness (n = 10 spp.). We also present an update of all helminth species associated with D. muelleri, L. vastus, R. diptycha, and T. typhonius in South America. This is the first study on the diversity of parasitic helminths associated with amphibians in the state of Piauí, northeastern Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe Myxobolus cataractae n. sp., found parasitizing Imparfinis mirini from Cachoeirinha stream, a tributary of Pardo River, Paraná River basin, municipality of Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil. We based the description on myxospore morphology, histology, and small subunit ribosomal DNA partial sequences. Whitish and elongated mass of myxospores were found in gill filaments, occupying an intrafilamental position. The myxospores were slightly ellipsoidal and the morphometric measurements revealed a myxospore body length of 7.8 ± 0.4 μm; myxospore width of 5.9 ± 0.4 μm; and thickness of 3.9 ± 0.3 μm. The polar capsules are equal in size and measured 3.5 ± 0.2 μm in length and 1.7 ± 0.2 μm in width. The polar tubules had 6–7 coils. Myxobolus cataractae n. sp. is classified as the intrafilamental type and chondreal subtype by the histological analysis of gills. Phylogenetic analysis showed a well-supported subclade formed by species that parasitize gills of Siluriformes, with M. imparfinis as a sister species of Myxobolus cataractae n. sp. Using molecular and morphological characterization, this cryptic species was identified as a new species of the genus Myxobolus. [Display omitted] • A new myxosporean species is described from gill lamellae of Imparfinis mirini ; • Histological analysis showed chondrocyte degradation and lamella deformations; • A new species was denominated Myxobolus cataractae n. sp.; • This research contributes to the knowledge of myxosporean diversity in South America. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The allocreadiid trematode Wallinia brasiliensis Dias, Müller, Almeida, Silva, Azevedo, León & Abdallah, 2018 is redescribed herein based on integrative taxonomy approach using morphological and molecular data from seven adult specimens found in the digestive tract of the yellow-tail lambari, Astyanax lacustris (Lütken, 1875), sampled in Pardo River, municipality of Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil. The present specimens are about four times longer and show several morphological differences (e.g. distribution of vitelline follicles and in the number and relative size of operculate eggs) regarding type-species from Batalha River (type locality), São Paulo State, Brazil. Considering that some of the diagnostic features listed in the original description of W. brasiliensis were lost/modified in the present specimens, we conclude that there is a need to redescribe this species and to perform a new comparison between W. brasiliensis and its five congeners (including two species not yet described at the time of the original description). Based on the new data, W. brasiliensis can be readily distinguished from its congeners by the combination of the oblique position of testes, the extension of vitelline follicles, and the size of the body and internal organs. The validity of the identification of the present specimens as W. brasiliensis was confirmed by the molecular characterization of the LSU rDNA gene, which showed 100% similarity between the original and current sequences. A key to the six known species of Wallinia Pearse, 1920 is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is the first confirmed report of Pholeter gastrophilus infecting three delphinid species from Brazilian waters, Steno bredanensis, Tursiops truncatus, and Feresa attenuata. The worms were identified based on morphological and molecular data using the 28S rDNA and COI mtDNA genes. The present study increases the distribution area of this trematode species and provides new molecular data to be used in future phylogenetic studies of the group, thus contributing to scientific knowledge on marine parasites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two digenean species, Infidum infidum Faria, 1910 (Dicrocoeliidae) and Travtrema stenocotyle Cohn, 1902 (Plagiorchiidae), were collected in the large pit viper Bothrops moojeni Hoge, 1966 from Reserva Particular do Patrimônio Natural Cisalpina, municipality of Brasilândia, Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil. In this study, we provide the first molecular characterisation using the 28S rDNA and phylogenetic position data of these two common digeneans from B. moojeni. The molecular framework revealed topologies with strongly supported clades using maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference methods, positioned I. infidum among Plagiorchiidae and not among Dicrocoeliidae as expected and T. stenocotyle (Plagiorchiidae) surprisingly grouped as a sister group to Allassogonoporidae, Microphallidae, Pleurogenidae, and Prosthogonimidae, not related to plagiorchids. Our molecular phylogenetic data showed that these species may not correspond to their assigned families and encourage future studies on the systematic of these understudied groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study described the hepatobiliary anatomopathological lesions associated with trematode Platynosomum illiciens parasitism in Neotropical primates kept in captivity. In the evaluated organs, we observed portal fibrosis, biliary epithelial hyperplasia, and inflammatory reaction with a predominance of lymphocytes and plasmocytes, and in some cases infiltration of eosinophils and neutrophils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to record the occurrence of parasites in Cambeva davisi (= Trichomycterus davisi) (Siluriformes: Trichomycteridae) from the Cascavel Stream, in the Iguaçu River basin, municipality of Cascavel, state of Paraná, Brazil, and present a review of the parasites reported infecting trichomycterids belonging to Cambeva and Trichomycterus species from the Neotropical region. Eighty-one fish specimens were collected using the electrofishing technique, with three standardized passes with a duration of 40 min, with extensions of 50 m for each site. In the laboratory, the fish were necropsied, and parasitological and histological analyses were conducted. Two parasite species were found and identified as nymphs of Sebekia oxycephala (Pentastomida) (Prevalence [P] = 8.54%) and Minilernaea floricapitella (Crustacea: Lernaeidae) (P = 1.23%), both representing new records of distribution and host-parasite relationships for genus Cambeva. The presence of the nymphs of S. oxycephala did not result in harmful histological changes or a significant inflammatory process in infected organs. Twenty-one taxa of parasites have been described parasitizing trichomycterids belonging to Trichomycterus (sensu stricto) and Cambeva from the Neotropical region. Nymphs of S. oxycephala have already been reported in freshwater fish belonging to 10 different orders, and M. floricapitella has been found parasitizing Brazilian fishes belonging to two orders. The nymphs of S. oxycephala did not cause histopathological changes and the new records of distribution and host-parasite relationships reported here enrich knowledge of the parasitic fauna of freshwater fish from the Neotropical region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report for the first time the infection of dolphins with Ascocotyle longa found in the intestines of three different species, Sotalia guianensis, Steno bredanensis, and Tursiops truncatus gephyreus, which were found washed ashore along the southeastern and southern Brazilian coast. The worms were identified based on morphological and molecular data using the 28S rDNA gene and the COI gene. Specimens of A. longa from the pinniped Otaria flavescens were also analyzed. As the first isolation of A. longa from cetaceans, the present study increases the distribution area and range of definitive hosts of this trematode, and provides new molecular data to complement the phylogeny of the group in future studies, thus contributing to the scientific knowledge of this potentially zoonotic parasite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is the first report of Ictalurus punctatus in the middle Paranapanema river basin; the occurrence of this species may be associated with the expansion of pisciculture in cage farms in the Brazilian territory as a whole. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digeneans of the genus Ogmogaster Jägerskiöld, 1891 are intestinal parasites of whales and pinnipeds. Due to the difficulty in recovering these parasites from opportunistic stranding events of their hosts, very little morphological and molecular data are available on the species of this genus. During a beach monitoring survey on the Southern Brazilian coast, a dwarf minke whale Balaenoptera acutorostrata (Lacépède, 1804) was necropsied and some digeneans were found in its intestine. Morphological and molecular analyses based on the ribosomal DNA SSU and the mitochondrial DNA COI genes were conducted. The morphological data along with the phylogenetic reconstructions allowed the identification of Ogmogaster antarctica Johnston, 1931. This is the first report of O. antarctica infecting a B. acutorostrata in the South Atlantic Ocean. The morphological data, the molecular characterization and the phylogenetic positioning of O. antarctica presented in this study contribute to the knowledge of the helminth diversity of large whales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seven new species of Urocleidoides from the gills and skin of nine Neotropical fish hosts (Anostomidae, Parodontidae, and Gymnotidae) are described: Urocleidoides digitabulum n. sp. on Leporinus friderici, Leporinus octofasciatus, and Megaleporinus elongatus (Anostomidae); Urocleidoides solarivaginatus n. sp. on L. friderici, L. octofasciatus, and Leporinus striatus (Anostomidae); Urocleidoides falxus n. sp. and Urocleidoides sapucaiensis n. sp. on M. elongatus; Urocleidoides tenuis n. sp. on Apareiodon piracicabae and Apareiodon affinis (Parodontidae); Urocleidoides sinus n. sp. on L. striatus, Schizodon nasutus, and Schizodon intermedius (Anostomidae); and Urocleidoides uncinus n. sp. on Gymnotus sylvius (Gymnotidae). Urocleidoides paradoxus was also found in this study on L. friderici and included in the phylogenetic analysis. Molecular data (partial 28S rDNA and mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I) were obtained for U. digitabulum n. sp., U. tenuis n. sp., U. sinus n. sp., and U. uncinus n. sp. The identification of Urocleidoides is amended herein to include all taxonomic modifications observed in this genus over time and add new characteristics observed in the species in the present study. Phylogenetic analysis revealed Urocleidoides digitabulum n. sp. and Urocleidoides sinus n. sp. (parasites of anostomids) closely related in the tree topologies. Furthermore, the new species described herein parasitized phylogenetically distant host species (Characiformes and Gymnotiformes), suggesting the effect of the dynamic process of ecological fitting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lernaea cyprinacea is a lernaeid copepod also known as anchor worm. This species is considered one of the most invasive ectoparasites on fishes, with a worldwide distribution. In Brazil, L. cyprinacea has spread in almost the entire country, being recorded parasitizing both native and farmed fishes. Post-metamorphic adult females of L. cyprinacea were recorded for the first-time parasitizing larvae and juveniles of the native fish Piabarchus stramineus sampled in the Taquari River, Upper Paranapanema River, São Paulo State, Brazil. The lernaeids were found attached to the base of the fins, with a preference for the pelvic fin (43.7% of parasitized hosts). The presence of these parasites on larvae/juveniles resulted in deformations in the host bodies and modification of the caudal peduncle angulation. The findings of L. cyprinacea infecting P. stramineus raises concern about the dispersal of this invasive parasite in natural areas and the deleterious effects of this parasite, especially in young fishes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Diplostomidae include a large group of flatworms with complex life cycles and are frequently found parasitizing the eyes and central nervous system of freshwater fishes. The morphological identification of the metacercariae at species level is not always possible. Thus, molecular tools have become essential to assist in the parasite species determination. This study was aimed at describing two diplostomid metacercariae found in freshwater fish in São Paulo, Brazil, based on morphological characters and in the genetic characterization of COI sequences. Our results showed that the two recognized taxa (Tylodelphys sp. and Diplostomidae gen. sp.) appear to be different from the species already described in South America. Tylodelphys sp. differs morphologically from Tylodelphys xenopi, T. mashonense, T. jenynsiae, and T. scheuringi. The metacercariae of T. clavata and T. conifera are smaller than Tylodelphys sp., while T. podicipina is larger than the metacercariae described here. The phylogenetic analysis of COI sequences yielded Tylodelphys sp. as the sister species of Tylodelphys sp. 4, a species reported from the brain of the eleotrid Gobiomorus maculatus in Oaxaca, Mexico. The metacercariae identified as Diplostomidae gen. sp. are morphologically different from the known diplostomid metacercariae and did not match with other diplostomid sequences available. Diplostomidae gen. sp. is recovered as the sister species of Diplostomum ardeae. Although the morphological evidence and the COI sequences differentiate the metacercariae found, the absence of adult specimens of both species precludes the specific designation. This is one of the first papers that use an integrative taxonomy approach to describe the species diversity of diplostomid trematodes in Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A mass of free myxozoan spores was found in the gill filaments of specimens of Cetopsorhamdia iheringi Schubart and Gomes, 1959, popularly known as "three-barbeled catfishes" (Heptapteridae, Siluriformes) collected in streams of the Middle Paranapanema River, Upper Paraná River basin, in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Morphological and molecular analysis identified the spores as Myxobolus imparfinis Vieira, Tagliavini, Abdallah and Azevedo, 2018. The ultrastructural morphology of this parasite is described here for the first time. Differences were observed in the number of coils of the polar filament as well as some organelles not previously described for this species. Asynchronous development was also observed, with the presence of both mature and immature spores. This is the first report of a myxozoan parasitizing C. iheringi and the first geographical record of myxozoan parasites in streams of the Middle Paranapanema River. The new data improve the original description of the species and add to the knowledge of host-parasite interactions and distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new genus of dactylogyrid monogeneans (Ancyrocephalinae), Paracosmetocleithrum n. gen., is erected to accommodate P. trachydorasi n. sp. from Trachydoras paraguayensis (Siluriformes: Doradidae) in the Upper Paraná River basin, Brazil. The new genus differs from Neotropical dactylogyrids in the presence of a well-developed ornamentation in the middle portion of the ventral bar, and a sclerotized patch on the surface of the dorsal bar with an inconspicuous medial process that possesses two submedial projections arising from the tapered ends of this patch. In addition, Demidospermus rhinelepisi n. sp. is described from Rhinelepis aspera (Siluriformes: Loricariidae). The new species, which is the fifth species of the genus described from loricariids, can be differentiated from congeners by the possession of a sclerotized patch attached to the middle portion of the ventral bar, and by morphology of the accessory piece, which presents broad ends, tapering in the centre, rounded proximal end, distal end folding on both sides with folds extending to approximately ¾ of the accessory piece length. Molecular data on both new species are also provided and species composition of Demidospermus , recently revealed as polyphyletic by molecular studies including the present one, is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses research on the specie, "Stereocyclops Incrassatus (Brazilian Dumpy Frog)" and explores about its geographical distribution and collection of specimen, along with explores diet of the species.

The article discusses research on the specie, "Myersiella Microps (Rio Elongated Frog)" and explores about its geographical distribution and collection of specimen, along with explores endoparasites of the species.

The article discusses research on the specie, "Brachycephalus Hermogenesi (Flea Toad)" and explores about its geographical distribution and information on the diet of Brachycephalus hermogenesi using high resolution microcomputed tomography images of a preserved museum specimen .

Rhabdias fuelleborni was described by Travassos (1926), who identified it in the lungs of Rhinella gr. marina (= Bufo marinus) from São Paulo. Later, Kloss (1971) added new information on the morphology and diagnosis of the species and new data on host and localities. However, its taxonomic status remains uncertain, due in particular to the morphological uniformity of Rhabdias spp., while the original description lacks important morphological data. In the present study, we found and reevaluated the type series of R. fuelleborni , as well as examining fresh material obtained from the type host and type locality, using light and scanning electron microscopy and molecular tools. The type series was deposited by Travassos (1926), and according to museum records the type locality is Paraty, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Our morphological and molecular analyses reinforce the taxonomic validity of this species, while molecular phylogeny identified a close relationship between R. fuelleborni and Rhabdias sp.4 and Rhabdias sp. from other studies, and from bufonids. Also R. fuelleborni are sister taxa with R. cf. stenocephala from Leptodactylidae from the northeast of Brazil and R. vencesi from Boophis madagascarariensis, Madagascar, according to mitochondrial COI gene. • Rhabdias fuelleborni described by Travassos (1926) was collected from the type host and type locality; • Morphological analyses were performed to reinforce the taxonomic validity of this species; • Molecular analyses using mitochondrial COI gene also using GMYC and ABGD methods, concluded that R. fuelleborni is a putative species, not a species complex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Henneguya polarislonga n. sp. is described from the gills of Astyanax lacustris (Lütken, 1875) (Characiformes, Characidae) from streams of the Middle Paranapanema River, Upper Paraná River basin, in the São Paulo State, Brazil. The proposed new species is supported by a combination of morphological and molecular characterization (partial fragment of the SSU rDNA). Thirty specimens of A. lacustris were analyzed and myxospores were found in the gill lamellae of one specimen (Prevalence = 3.3%). Henneguya polarislonga n. sp. was morphometrically and genetically distinct from other Henneguya spp. previously described in Astyanax spp., mainly differing in the total length and caudal appendages length of the mature myxospores. Comparative analysis of the SSU rDNA sequences revealed that Seisactinomyxon-type actinospores previously reported parasitizing oligochaetes are developmental stages of the life cycle of Henneguya polarislonga n. sp. (similarity of 99.9%). This is the first time that an actinospore and a myxospore are correlated through molecular analysis in Brazil, contributing to the knowledge of the myxozoan ecology and biodiversity. • A new myxosporean species is described from the gill lamellae of Astyanax lacustris. • A new species was denominated Henneguya polarislonga n. sp. • An insight about the life cycle of Henneguya from Brazil is presented. • This research contributes to the knowledge of myxosporean diversity in South America. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In March 2010, 44 specimens of Astyanax altiparanae Garutti & Britski, 2000, commonly known as "lambari do rabo amarelo", collected from the Peixe river in the state of São Paulo, Brazil were analyzed. Out of these 44 fishes, 38 had at least one species of metazoan parasite. Fifteen metazoan parasites species were collected and identified: Urocleidoides trinidadensis, Diaphorocleidus kabatai, Diaphorocleidus orthodusus, Diaphorocleidus sp., Urocleidoides sp., Trinibaculum altiparanae, Gyrodactylus sp., Jainus hexops, Contracaecum sp., Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) inopinatus, Vaigamus sp., Amplexibranchius bryconis, Ergasilus sp., Zonocotyloides haroltravassossi and Henneguya sp. Six species of parasites presented a prevalence of over 10%. Weight and length of fishes didn't influence the parasitism. All parasites presented an aggregated distribution. The parasite community of Astyanax altiparanae from the Peixe river was characterized as having high richness and low uniformity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Buteo magnirostris, popularly known as roadside hawk belongs to the family Accipitridae, Ciconiiformes. The specimen is common throughout Brazil inhabiting open areas, tolerating disturbed areas very well, but avoiding dense forests. The trematodes are common parasites in the intestines of birds of prey, with scant notice of pathogenic infections. However, severe infections of trematodes Strigeidae family have been previously reported as a cause of anemia, diarrhea, enteritis, weight loss and death. This paper aims to report the occurrence of infection in S. Falconis in B. magnirostris diagnosed by post mortem examination. Case: The specimen of B. magnirostris, male, young was sent for necropsy at the Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Federal Rural University of Semi-Arid (UFERSA), Mossoró-RN, Brazil. With a history of apathy, anorexia, diarrhea and death in one course of 24 h. The free bird life and even puppy had been captured for training and practice of falconry shortly before the clinical manifestation of infection (time of captivity uninformed). On physical examination ruffled feathers, cachexia and pallor of skeletal muscle was observed. At necropsy there was severe enteritis with petechiae and accumulation of liquid contents into the duodenum. Fifty-two trematodes were found set in duodenal mucosa. The other organs and structures showed no changes. Fragments of all organs were harvested, fixed in 10% formalin buffered, routinely processed for histopathology and stained with hematoxylin and eosin (HE). Parasites were carefully collected, washed in saline, fixed, processed and identified according to the morphology and taxonomy. Histologically, the lesions were restricted to the duodenum and were characterized by melting, severe atrophy and necrosis of the epithelial cells of the intestinal villi; inflammatory infiltrate (consisting of lymphocytes, plasma cells and eosinophils) in the lamina propria, in addition to trematodes infiltrated the mucosa and lamina propria. These were 60-80 mm in diameter, consisted of parenchymal body enclosed by the integument. In some cross sections of the parasite was possible to observe the presence of cecum, testis and uterus, with some variations between sections; there were also yellowish eggs and coated with a delicate membrane. The trematodes contain approximately 1 mm in length and used as morphology and taxonomy has been identified as S. Falconis. Discussion: S. Falconis is a trematode intestinal parasite of birds of prey, with reports of its occurrence in Europe, North America and Central. In neotropical regions is described the occurrence of the subspecies S. Falconis brasiliana. Although the absence of clinical signs is a common pattern, parasitism by trematodes may become evident, common to captivity stress conditions, and thus infections, even for low pathogenic parasites can cause diarrhea, anorexia, weight loss and death, as reported in this paper. A factor that possibly contributed to the scant notice is its small size, which makes the observation of this parasite in analysis of necropsy in non-pathological conditions and also not familiar with the technical laboratories in the morphological shape of the eggs, which creates difficulty in finding the parasite in parasitological analysis in captive animals. Despite being considered poorly pathogenic trematodes, epidemiologically, the presence of the parasite should be considered a health risk tofree-living predators, newly captive in parks, zoos, veterinary hospitals, triage center for wildlife and creators, as they may express pathogenicity in immunosuppressed animals. This work contributes to recording the presence S. falconis parasitizing the duodenal mucosa of B. magnirostris in Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although Brazil is a hotspot for snake species, there is a lack of information on the biodiversity of haemoparasites infecting these hosts. Thus, the present study aimed to bring new insights on the diversity of species of Hepatozoon (Apicomplexa: Adeleorina: Hepatozoidae) infecting Brazilian snakes from the Midwest and Southeast regions. The snakes were captured from 2018 to 2020 from the states of Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Goiás, and São Paulo. Three to five blood smears were made and the remaining blood sample was stored for further molecular analysis. Moreover, histopathological slides of the organs were stained with haematoxylin-eosin. Regarding molecular diagnosis, PCR was performed targeting different regions of the 18S rRNA gene of apicomplexan parasites. From the 13 free-living snakes screened, ten (76.92%) were found infected with Hepatozoon spp. Based on morphological and morphometric tools, five different morphotypes of species of Hepatozoon gamonts were detected. Molecular data and phylogenetic analysis support the morphological data, identifying five species of Hepatozoon from snakes, of which three species belong to previously described species, Hepatozoon cevapii , Hepatozoon cuestensis, and Hepatozoon quagliattus, with a genetic similarity of 100% (based on the 18S rRNA genetic marker). The present study identifies and describes two new species of Hepatozoon , Hepatozoon annulatum sp. nov. infecting the snake Leptodeira annulata and Hepatozoon trigeminum sp. nov. infecting the snake Oxyrhopus trigeminus. Thus, based on morphological and molecular data the present study provides new insights on haemogregarine diversity infecting Brazilian snakes from the Midwest and Southeast regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

About forty-two species of Myxobolus have been previously described to parasitize characiform fishes in South America. Here, we described a new myxozoan species, Myxobolus parodontidis n. sp., in the gills of Apareiodon piracicabae (Characiformes, Parodontidae) from the streams of the Middle Paranapanema River basin, Brazil. The proposed new species is supported by a combination of morphological, ultrastructural, and molecular characterization (small subunit ribosomal DNA). Thirteen specimens of A. piracicabae were analyzed and 30.8% was infected by Myxobolus parodontidis n. sp. The myxospores was classified as intralamellar asymmetric type. A few aberrant myxospores with three polar capsules were observed: the spore length and width were the same of normal myxospores, but the polar capsules had smaller sizes. Ultrastructural analysis showed that the plasmodial membrane of Myxobolus parodontidis n. sp. was in direct contact with the host tissue and a connective capsule surrounding the plasmodium was not observed. The phylogenetic analysis showed that the main influence in the clustering of species of myxobolids seems to be related to the phylogenetic relationships established among fish hosts, mainly at the level of family and order. This is the first record of a myxozoan species parasitizing parodontid fish, contributing to the knowledge of the biodiversity of myxozoans from Brazil. [Display omitted] • A new species of Myxobolus is described. • The first record of a myxozoan species parasitizing Parodontidae fish. • Morphological, ultrastructural and molecular data of the new species are provided. • Aberrant myxospores with three polar capsules were observed. • Phylogenetic relationships among fish hosts influenced the phylogeny of myxobolids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the evaluation of the helminth parasites associated with amphibian species from an island near Southeast Coast of Brazil. Topics discussed include relation of the biome with high endemism and biodiversity; preservation of the helminth parasites in ethyl alcohol; and report of helminth fauna.

Highlights: [•] We studied Hepatozoon spp. in five specimens of Crotalus durissus terrificus. [•] Each of the infected snakes has one gamont type. [•] The phylogenetic and morpholoical analysis demonstrated three different species. [•] Based on the molecular and morphologic differences, three new Hepatozoon species were proposed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Tropiduridae (Squamata: Iguania) is a lizard taxon widely distributed in the neotropics. Among its representatives, some species are classified as generalists regarding habitat usage. Others exhibit a very restricted and probably relict distribution, and are strongly associated with predominantly sandy and dry habitats. Within this rather ecologically similar than phylogenetically closely related group we examined specimens of Eurolophosaurus amathites, E. divaricatus, Tropidurus hygomi, T. psam-monastes for endoparasites. In all four species examined we recorded parasitic nema-todes (Nemathelminthes: Nematoda). At least three nematode species were recovered: Parapharyngodon sp., Physaloptem lutzi and Strongyluris oscari, with Ph. lutzi being the most abundant parasite encountered in all lizard species examined. In spite of the hosts' habitat specialization, these parasites are also found frequently in non-psammo-philous tropidurid species as well as in other squamates. Individual species richness per lizard was low, with usually just one species parasitizing at a time. These are the first parasites registered for these tropidurids and constitute a total of six new host records. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study describes three new species of monogenean parasites of characid fishes from the Upper Paraná River basin, Brazil: Characithecium paranapanemense n. sp. on Psalidodon paranae and Psalidodon bockmanni , Diaphorocleidus magnus n. sp. on Astyanax lacustris and Psalidodon fasciatus , and Diaphorocleidus neotropicalis n. sp. on Astyanax lacustris and P. bockmanni. An amendment for Diaphorocleidus is proposed, since additional characters observed in the new species required to extend the generic diagnostic features mainly to include: articulation process connecting the base of the MCO with accessory piece present or absent, and accessory piece with variable shapes (plate-like, pincer-shaped, wrench-shaped, sheath-shaped), divided or not into subunits. Characithecium paranapanemense n. sp. can be distinguished from other congeners by the morphology of its MCO and accessory piece. Diaphorocleidus magnus n. sp. differs from most of its congeners by the morphology of its accessory piece, the presence of articulation process connecting the base of the MCO with accessory piece, and the morphology of the sclerotized structures of the haptor. Diaphorocleidus neotropicalis n. sp. can be easily distinguished from its congeners by the morphology of the accessory piece, the sclerotized structures of the haptor and the morphology of the vagina. Molecular data of the new species (partial 28S rDNA and mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I) were obtained and the first phylogenetic analysis based on 28S rDNA gene sequences for species of Characithecium and Diaphorocleidus are provided. Although Diaphorocleidus and Characithecium share some morphological similarities, phylogenetic analysis indicates that species of these two genera are not closely related. [Display omitted] • Two new species of Diaphorocleidus and one of Characithecium are described. • Morphological and molecular data of new species are provided. • An amendment to the genus Diaphorocleidus is proposed. • First phylogenetic analysis for Diaphorocleidus and Characithecium are provided. • Phylogeny revealed that Diaphorocleidus and Characithecium are not closely related. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the first report of Aplectana hylambatis parasitizing a Brazilian anuran species Dermatonotus muelleri. It provides details about the ecological descriptors of parasitism as well as the morphological characterization of the nematode species. Other details about Aplectana hylambatis are presented.

Myxozoans are microscopic cnidarians that mainly parasitize fishes. The present study aimed to describe a new myxozoan parasite from the gills of Boulengerella cuvieri (Spix and Agassiz, 1829) by morphological and molecular analysis. The fish was collected in 2019 at the Pindaíba River, municipality of Cocalinho, Mato Grosso State, Brazil. Whitish and circular plasmodia were found in the primary gill filaments, occupying an intralamellar position, with an average of 0.5 mm in diameter. Henneguya Thélohan, 1892 myxospores found inside the plasmodia were elongated and ellipsoidal, consisting of two long and elliptical shell valves with two long, tapering caudal appendages. Morphometric measurements revealed a total spore length of 36.1 ± 2.0 μm; spore body length of 12.8 ± 0.5 μm; spore width of 4.9 ± 0.3 μm; tail length of 23.3 ± 1.6 μm; capsule length of 7.2 ± 0.4 μm; capsule width of 1.5 ± 0.2 μm; and 10 coils in the polar filament. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the isolates from this study were grouped into the main-clade of freshwater fishes, within a group of species parasitizing fishes from Brazil. Intergenotypic difference ranged from 23%–25.9% compared with other Brazilian myxozoan isolates. Using molecular and morphological characterization, this parasite was identified as a new species of the genus Henneguya. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]